| I was fairly astonished at how time-consuming helping my daughter apply to colleges this fall turned out to be. For a different perspective, think for a moment about what the process is like if your child has been home schooled since kindergarten! She had no guidance counselor to help with anything - her father and I had to perform that function. We had no help from anyone. We had to create a transcript and a school profile, something usually done for you by your children's schools. I had to create a course description document - 16 pages - describing every course dd took during high school. She took courses from 6 different colleges and distance learning programs, and we had to have transcripts sent from every one to every college to which she applied. She needed extra tests and extra recommendations. I had to fill out all the Secondary School Report forms, the Common App Home School Supplement, and write the guidance counselor letter. All of this is on top of what parents whose kids have gone to traditional schools do.
It was a massive undertaking, but I would certainly do it again for the freedom and creativity this path afforded us with dd's applications (as well as her education). I also did not quit my job. I am Chief Finanacial Officer of a company I started with my husband 16 years ago, now with 45 employees - I didn't have the option to quit! If I could have, I might have been very tempted to do so, back in October when I was panicking about getting it all done. Thankfully, we are past that now and have lived to tell the tale.
Best of luck to all of your applicants! |